At least 122 children across Madhya Pradesh have been admitted to hospital with severe eye injuries, and 14 are reported to have lost their sight after accidents involving so-called “carbide guns” or homemade firecracker guns. Vidisha is the worst-hit district: local sellers allegedly continued to offer these crude devices despite a state ban issued on October 18.
Marketed for about Rs 150–200, the gadgets look like toys but act as explosive devices and frequently cause grave harm. Vidisha police say six people have been arrested for illegally selling the explosives. Inspector RK Mishra said, “Immediate action has been taken. Those responsible for selling or promoting these carbide guns will face legal consequences.”
Hospitals in Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur and Gwalior are reportedly treating large numbers of young patients with eye trauma from these blasts. At Bhopal’s Hamidia Hospital alone, 26 children were admitted within 72 hours. Dr Manish Sharma, CMHO, Hamidia Hospital, said, “This device causes direct damage to the eyes. The explosion releases metal fragments and carbide vapors that burn the retina. We are treating several cases where children’s pupils ruptured, leading to permanent blindness.” Several injured children remain in intensive care and doctors warn many may never fully recover their vision.
Police investigations indicate children are assembling these “carbide guns” from plastic or tin pipes packed with gunpowder, match-head compound and calcium carbide, then igniting the charge through a small aperture. The ensuing chemical reaction produces a violent blast that propels shrapnel and burning gas — frequently striking faces and eyes. Officers report the makeshift weapons are being sold openly as “mini cannons” at fairs and roadside stalls without any safety oversight. Driving the trend appears to be social media: Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts clips under the “Firecracker Gun Challenge” hashtag have gone viral, showing teenagers firing the devices to gain likes and views.
Victims Reactions
One of the victims, 17-year-old Neha, currently recovering at Hamidia Hospital, recounted, “We bought a homemade carbide gun. When it exploded, one of my eyes burned completely. I can’t see anything.” Another victim, Raj Vishwakarma, admitted, “I saw videos on social media and tried to make a firecracker gun at home. It exploded in my face and I lost my eye.”
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